The Portland Trail Blazers have announced their plans to launch a G League franchise, making them one of the few NBA teams without a minor league affiliate. The team is set to begin operating in the 2023-2024 season, playing their home games at the University of Portland and practicing at the Blazers’ practice facility.
Owner Prioritizes Player Development
Traditionally, it takes about 18-24 months for a new G League affiliate to start playing. However, Blazers owner Jody Allen wants to prioritize player development and has instructed Blazers GM Joe Cronin to speed up the process. As a result, the team will be ready for the coming season. This is great news for the Blazers, who have two first-round picks and a second-rounder in the 2023 NBA draft.
G League President Welcomes Blazers to the Family
G League President Shareef Abdur-Rahim expressed his excitement about the Blazers joining the G League family. He praised the league for meeting the developmental demands of NBA teams and said that the Blazers’ decision to launch a G League franchise is proof of the value that the league provides to the NBA every day. Abdur-Rahim looks forward to the team’s first game at the Chiles Center.
Blazers End Outsourcing of Young Developmental Players
The Blazers have been outsourcing young developmental players to rival G League franchises in California, including the Kings’ affiliate in Stockton and the Clippers’ affiliate in Ontario. With the launch of their own G League franchise, the Blazers can now keep their talent in-house and develop their players according to their own system.
The NBA is moving closer to having every team with an affiliate. The Phoenix Suns are the only team without a G League program, having sold their team to the Detroit Pistons in 2020. However, sources say that the Suns are actively pursuing a new G League program under new owner Mat Ishbia.
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